National Park · AZ
The National Park Service lists 19 things to do at Chiricahua National Park. 19 have no extra fee, 19 need no reservation, and 7 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Updated · NPS Data API
Chiricahua is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 different bird species documented in the area! The best places for birdwatching include Bonita Creek Trail, Silver Spur Meadow Trail, and Echo Park, although you can see birds anywhere in the park.
Year-round Pets allowed
This 8-mile paved drive winds up the valley through rock formations, oak, cypress, and pine forests, to Massai Point. Massai Point overlook has a 360-degree view of the Wonderland of Rocks and the surrounding valleys and mountains.
60-90 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
This Bonita Creek loops around the picnic area and takes you along the intermittent Bonita Creek. Watch for Apache plume and prickly poppy flowers in spring and early summer. Arizona whitetail deer are frequently seen in the lower portion of Bonita Canyon.
15-30 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Winding along Bonita Creek, usually dry, this trail connects the Bonita Creek and Faraway Ranch Picnic Areas. Look for wild animals, including migrating birds, deer, coatimundi, and javelina. This is an easy 1/2 mile trail.
30-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Just 1/2 mile from the parking area, on the Echo Canyon Trail, visitors can be amazed by the tunnel-like rock formations. The Echo Canyon Grottoes are a great option for those who want to experience the rocks but have limited time or mobility.
30-60 Minutes Year-round
The most impressive moderate hike in the park. Hike 3.3 miles through balancing rocks, the unique tunnel-like grottoes, narrow slots, and below cliffs of towering pinnacles. No pets.
2-4 Hours Year-round
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This moderate, 4.2 mile/6.8 kilometer trail begins at Echo Canyon trailhead and consists of Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, and Lower Rhyolite Canyon trails ending at the Visitor Center. It goes downhill through spectacular rock formations in Echo Canyon.
2-4 Hours Year-round
The Heart of Rocks Loop is a 7.3 mile/11.8 kilometer roundtrip hike to many of the most unusual rock formations in the monument, including Pinnacle Balanced Rock and Big Balanced Rock.
4-6 Hours Year-round
17 miles of trails will take you into a wilderness of rocks. Chiricahua offers a range of day hiking options from easy to strenuous.
1-9 Hours Year-round
Come explore the "Wonderland of Rocks" on horseback!
Year-round
This 5.4 mile / 8.6 kilometer strenuous trail takes you to the Inspiration Point overlook. The route consists of Ed Riggs, Mushroom Rock, and Inspiration Point trails. Excellent views of Cochise Head and Rhyolite Canyon make this a great rest stop!
3-4 Hours Year-round
A good way to view the rocks without driving up the road, this mostly-level trail takes you to Rhyolite Canyon, a canyon lined with rock pinnacles. Walk 1.5 miles / 2.4 km until you reach the junction between Upper Rhyolite Canyon and Sarah Deming trails.
Year-round
A half-mile loop trail through balanced rocks starts at the top of the scenic drive, Massai Point parking area.
30 Minutes Year-round
Bring a box lunch and relax in nature. Bonita Creek, Faraway Ranch, and Massai Point have accessible picnic areas with multiple tables and covered options. All parking lots have restroom and trash facilities.
Year-round Pets allowed
Beginning from the Visitor Center, Campground, or Faraway Ranch picnic area, this 1.2 mile/1.9 kilometer leisurely walk goes by the Faraway Ranch Historic District, Stafford Cabin, and Silver Spur Meadow. This is a dog-friendly trail.
45-90 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Chiricahua is always open, so come experience our dark skies! The best places to view the night sky at Chiricahua are the Faraway Ranch and Echo Canyon parking lots, both offering wide, unobstructed views of the sky.
Year-round Pets allowed
This moderate trail to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain is 1.8 miles/2.8 kilometers roundtrip. Rising above the surrounding canyons, the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain at 7,310ft/2,228m is one of the highest points in the monument.
1-2 Hours Year-round
For folks wanting to do everything, this 9.5 mile route consists of the Echo Canyon, Upper Rhyolite Canyon, Sarah Deming, Heart of Rocks, Big Balanced Rock, Inspiration Point, Mushroom Rock, and Ed Riggs trails. It features our balanced rocks.
4-7 Hours Year-round
This trail is a great opportunity to avoid the crowds in March and to see wildlife. It crosses through a stunning variety of ecosystems before ending at a bridge overlook. The small water-carved bridge is located across the canyon.
3-4 Hours Year-round
Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Chiricahua. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.
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